Bonita Branches Out; and Other New York News

The owners of Williamsburg’s Bonita have just opened a second restaurant in Fort Greene, where most hounds are happy to have it. Pozole is a highlight, hearty and flavorful. Other early favorites include albondigas, guacamole, adobo pork (a special), tequila-soused tres leches cake, and steak tacos and chicken enchiladas with fresh house-made tortillas. The tequila lineup is deep and worth a shot. Some complain of pallid seasoning, but the kitchen still seems to be tweaking.

Meanwhile, another Brooklyn Mexican spot has closed. El Huipil in Red Hook will be missed for its moles and other homey chow from Mexico’s Guerrero state. Its owners are reportedly leaving town for North Carolina.

In Queens, the Manhattan Vietnamese restaurant Thai Son (see also ChowNews #236) has opened a second location in Elmhurst, replacing the departed Pho Binh. Early reports suggest it’s a rough shakedown for the new kitchen, but they’ve been open less than a month, so stay tuned.

Long Island City’s Lil’ Bistro 33, which has won a following with a deft blend of Asian ingredients and French technique, is temporarily closed. It’s moving to new, larger digs in Astoria.

And Cobble Hill’s similarly named Little Bistro, whose own brand of East-West fusion never quite caught on, has gone out of business.